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Bulk Rate US. Postage Paid Poplar, Montana 59255 Permit No. 5
5Ct
Weekly
Best Wishes On Thanksgiving
WManin Wmuwi
JCenem�e* 26. /997
Ceolat, Mentana
V*L28 Me. 46
BOYS BASKETBALL SEASON TO START -Practice started this week at schools reservation wide as boy's basketball season prepares to start this December. See sports page, 2nd Section, for stories and schedules.
New program available for Indian homebuyers
The Fort Peck Tribes have recently been authorized to participate in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 184 Program (HUD 184).
HUD 194 is a loan guarantee program designed to eliminate the problems of securing financing on trust and/or private land located on the reservation. This program can provide assistance to the Native American population in attaining homeownership opportunities on their native land.
On behalf of the Federal Government, HUD will guarantee up to 100 percent of the amount loaned to the borrower. The borrower will be ask-
ed to pay a modest down payment and a 1 percent guarantee fee (which may be financed).
The HUD 184 program may be used to for acquisition of existing housing, acquisition and rehabilitation of existing housing, rehabilitation of existing housing, or the construction of new housing. Properties covered by the program must be on Indian trust land or land located in an Indian area.
To begin simply select a lending institution to work with an begin with application process.
For more information please contact your local lender.
Superintendent's Report
Increase in range unit payments shock users
In his bi-weekly report to the Tribal Executive Board, Fort Peck Agency Superintendent Dennis Whiteman reported that an increase in range unit costs has shocked cattle operators but is pan of a federal schedule that the Agency and the Tribes must follow.
"I don't make the determination. I have to follow a schedule every 5 years," said Whiteman.
Range unit rates are determined in a 5-year cycle, and at the end of that cycle, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has to request an appraisal of Animal Unit Months or AUMs, explained Whiteman. This time, the appraisal has resulted in a $3 increase in
AUMs, taking the rate from $8 per AUM to $11 per AUM, and some range unit users find that the increase is unacceptable, he said.
The process used is the private industry methodology, which is the standard used by appraisers to make a determination, he said, and it's separate from the BIA, but the BIA is responsible to follow the schedule. "We don't control the values, the market determines it. And as part of the trust responsibility, the BIA has to make sure that the landowner gets the value."
AUM means a month's worth of feed for an adult cow and calf, and it will now cost
(Increase - Page 2)
Council Highlights
$75 per cap to be paid to 10,810
By Bonnie Red Elk Wotanin Editor
This December 15, an estimated 10,810 tribal members will receive a $75 tribal per capita check from the interest earned on investments of tribal income.
Based on the interest earned from investments, $864,868.30 was available for this year's per cap, according to information provided to the Tribal Executive Board on Monday, Nov. 24 from the Tribes' auditors. Minus $15,000 for administrative costs, $849.868 is available for the per cap.
No smoking policy
In other action taken at the Nov. 24 TEB meeting, by a vote of 7-3, all tribal office spaces were declared smoke
free, and areas for smoking are to be designated. Areas like the Culture Centers, are eliminated from the policy.
The Health/Welfare Committee recommended that the no smoking policy for the Tribal Office building be reaffirmed and an area for smoking be designated. However, at the TEB meeting, an amendment to the motion was made to include all tribal office spaces.
Councilman Caleb Shields said we pass a non-smoking law, but what's the penalty?
Councilwoman Barbara Birdsbill said she's opposed because areas should be designated first before a no smoking policy is passed.
Shields made the motion to include all tribal office spaces,
seconded by Vermae Taylor, with the vote to pass 7-3. Those opposed were Birds-bill, Walter Clark and Leland Spotted BirdL_ Tribal budget modified-
For the second time this fiscal year, the TEB voted to modify the 1998 operating budget.
The TEB voted to purchase 320 acres of mineral rights from Vera Big Talk at a cost of $3200. (See separate story.) In a separate motion, they voted to provide an additional $1525 to the Sioux General Council, which was originally provided $1525 to conduct the vote on Docket 74A on Nov. 12.
On October 24, the TEB voted to modify the tribal budget by $42,929.71 to pro-
vide funds for the Juvenile Services Program for a juvenile officer.
For FY98, the modifications total of $47,654, which means the budget for this year is increased by that amount.
Drug testing change-
The Tribes' Drug Testing policy was changed by the motion to have all drug testing done by Tribal Health for all tribal employees - random, new and temporary. The testing was originally done at the Riverside Clinic.
Land purchase-
The TEB voted to purchase 160 acres of range land at a cost of $9700.80. The funds
(Highlights-Page 10)
Frazer to get store, gas station by Dec. 15
FRAZER - The community of Frazer will receive their new Tribal Express .store before Christmas, as tribal planners anticipate having it up and running by December 15.
The store, which will be owned by the Tribes, will be located directly behind the west side fire station in the Frazer community.
The land was excavated by Enterprise on November 24. They made the lot ready for water and sewer for the building.
The fuel tanks will be installed by the Oday Company on the 1st of December. They will also have a fence put up around the
(Frazer - Page 2)
Shown is the future site of the new Tribal Express convenience store in the community of Frazer. the store is scheduled to on December 15.
$500,000 line of credit approved for ASTI
By Bonnie Red Elk, Wotanin Editor
The Tribal Executive Board, by a vote of 8-1, approved a $500,000 line of credit for A&S Tribal Industries with a 7 percent interest rate for calendar year 1998.
AST! was behind on their delivery of their completed products, but they are now getting � out, and this new loan will provide operating expenses and will be paid back at the end of 1998, said the TEB's Finance Commitee chairman Caleb Shields.
The company is on the road to being profitable, but in the interim, we need the help of the Tribal Executive Board, said James Shanley, a member of the ASTI board of directors.
"The TEB needs to decide, do we want a profitable company that provides employment? This company started back up from an absolutely zero cash postion, and nothing works from that position. We need to pay people and buy material."
Councilwoman Barbara Birdsbill, the only opposition to the line of credit, was skeptical about loaning more monies to ASTT, and brought out that past loans approved by the Tribes have not been repaid.
AST! has had financial help from the Tribes to stay open.
The Tribes previously approved a $300,000 line of credit for ASTT, and an additional $500,000 later to pay for
operating costs, and they failed to make the payment schedule with the bank, said Shields, but the ASTI board will be addressing that.
Last spring, the ASTI board got th e Tribes to co-sign 2 loan applications, said Shanley, one was to Rural Development for $1.3 million and the other to the Bureau of Indian Affairs also for $1.3 million. We applied for both loans in anticipation of needed cash flow if production picked up, he said, adding that RD doesn't work as fast as you want it to.
If the government agencies are not forthcoming, ASTI has no option but to come back to the Tribes, said Shanley.
We could leave the $500,000 in the treasury drawing 4 percent interest, or we could loan it to ASTI at 7 percent interest, said Shields.
ASTI is currendy working on both Department of Defense and commercial products that require the employment of 135 individuals, and is in need of funds to continued production, states the prepared resolution that the TEB approved.
The employees are working 3 shifts, 6 days a week.
According to information provided to the Tribes, ASTI is on time with the medical chest deliveries, but Can't expect any payments until late November.
� Tribal members-
Cast vote for FSA County Committee
Tribal members - did you get a strange white envelope in the mail recently regarding election to the Valley County FSA Office?
If so - don't throw it away! Open it up and cast your vote for one of four individuals listed who are running for the Valley County Farm Service Agency County (Committee.
One of the names if tribal member Henry Flynn, of the Oswego/Frazer area The Tribal Executive Board has gone on record supporting Flynn's nomination to the Valley County FSA County Committee.
Whether tribal members live in Valley County or not, ballots have been sent to you,
and you must cast your vote for Flynn, according to Land Committee chairman Walter Clark.
"It's important to get an Indian elected to this board of directors," said Clark, and this is the first year that the Tribes are making an attempt
(Vote - Page 2)

Bulk Rate US. Postage Paid Poplar, Montana 59255 Permit No. 5
5Ct
Weekly
Best Wishes On Thanksgiving
WManin Wmuwi
JCenem�e* 26. /997
Ceolat, Mentana
V*L28 Me. 46
BOYS BASKETBALL SEASON TO START -Practice started this week at schools reservation wide as boy's basketball season prepares to start this December. See sports page, 2nd Section, for stories and schedules.
New program available for Indian homebuyers
The Fort Peck Tribes have recently been authorized to participate in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 184 Program (HUD 184).
HUD 194 is a loan guarantee program designed to eliminate the problems of securing financing on trust and/or private land located on the reservation. This program can provide assistance to the Native American population in attaining homeownership opportunities on their native land.
On behalf of the Federal Government, HUD will guarantee up to 100 percent of the amount loaned to the borrower. The borrower will be ask-
ed to pay a modest down payment and a 1 percent guarantee fee (which may be financed).
The HUD 184 program may be used to for acquisition of existing housing, acquisition and rehabilitation of existing housing, rehabilitation of existing housing, or the construction of new housing. Properties covered by the program must be on Indian trust land or land located in an Indian area.
To begin simply select a lending institution to work with an begin with application process.
For more information please contact your local lender.
Superintendent's Report
Increase in range unit payments shock users
In his bi-weekly report to the Tribal Executive Board, Fort Peck Agency Superintendent Dennis Whiteman reported that an increase in range unit costs has shocked cattle operators but is pan of a federal schedule that the Agency and the Tribes must follow.
"I don't make the determination. I have to follow a schedule every 5 years" said Whiteman.
Range unit rates are determined in a 5-year cycle, and at the end of that cycle, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has to request an appraisal of Animal Unit Months or AUMs, explained Whiteman. This time, the appraisal has resulted in a $3 increase in
AUMs, taking the rate from $8 per AUM to $11 per AUM, and some range unit users find that the increase is unacceptable, he said.
The process used is the private industry methodology, which is the standard used by appraisers to make a determination, he said, and it's separate from the BIA, but the BIA is responsible to follow the schedule. "We don't control the values, the market determines it. And as part of the trust responsibility, the BIA has to make sure that the landowner gets the value."
AUM means a month's worth of feed for an adult cow and calf, and it will now cost
(Increase - Page 2)
Council Highlights
$75 per cap to be paid to 10,810
By Bonnie Red Elk Wotanin Editor
This December 15, an estimated 10,810 tribal members will receive a $75 tribal per capita check from the interest earned on investments of tribal income.
Based on the interest earned from investments, $864,868.30 was available for this year's per cap, according to information provided to the Tribal Executive Board on Monday, Nov. 24 from the Tribes' auditors. Minus $15,000 for administrative costs, $849.868 is available for the per cap.
No smoking policy
In other action taken at the Nov. 24 TEB meeting, by a vote of 7-3, all tribal office spaces were declared smoke
free, and areas for smoking are to be designated. Areas like the Culture Centers, are eliminated from the policy.
The Health/Welfare Committee recommended that the no smoking policy for the Tribal Office building be reaffirmed and an area for smoking be designated. However, at the TEB meeting, an amendment to the motion was made to include all tribal office spaces.
Councilman Caleb Shields said we pass a non-smoking law, but what's the penalty?
Councilwoman Barbara Birdsbill said she's opposed because areas should be designated first before a no smoking policy is passed.
Shields made the motion to include all tribal office spaces,
seconded by Vermae Taylor, with the vote to pass 7-3. Those opposed were Birds-bill, Walter Clark and Leland Spotted BirdL_ Tribal budget modified-
For the second time this fiscal year, the TEB voted to modify the 1998 operating budget.
The TEB voted to purchase 320 acres of mineral rights from Vera Big Talk at a cost of $3200. (See separate story.) In a separate motion, they voted to provide an additional $1525 to the Sioux General Council, which was originally provided $1525 to conduct the vote on Docket 74A on Nov. 12.
On October 24, the TEB voted to modify the tribal budget by $42,929.71 to pro-
vide funds for the Juvenile Services Program for a juvenile officer.
For FY98, the modifications total of $47,654, which means the budget for this year is increased by that amount.
Drug testing change-
The Tribes' Drug Testing policy was changed by the motion to have all drug testing done by Tribal Health for all tribal employees - random, new and temporary. The testing was originally done at the Riverside Clinic.
Land purchase-
The TEB voted to purchase 160 acres of range land at a cost of $9700.80. The funds
(Highlights-Page 10)
Frazer to get store, gas station by Dec. 15
FRAZER - The community of Frazer will receive their new Tribal Express .store before Christmas, as tribal planners anticipate having it up and running by December 15.
The store, which will be owned by the Tribes, will be located directly behind the west side fire station in the Frazer community.
The land was excavated by Enterprise on November 24. They made the lot ready for water and sewer for the building.
The fuel tanks will be installed by the Oday Company on the 1st of December. They will also have a fence put up around the
(Frazer - Page 2)
Shown is the future site of the new Tribal Express convenience store in the community of Frazer. the store is scheduled to on December 15.
$500,000 line of credit approved for ASTI
By Bonnie Red Elk, Wotanin Editor
The Tribal Executive Board, by a vote of 8-1, approved a $500,000 line of credit for A&S Tribal Industries with a 7 percent interest rate for calendar year 1998.
AST! was behind on their delivery of their completed products, but they are now getting � out, and this new loan will provide operating expenses and will be paid back at the end of 1998, said the TEB's Finance Commitee chairman Caleb Shields.
The company is on the road to being profitable, but in the interim, we need the help of the Tribal Executive Board, said James Shanley, a member of the ASTI board of directors.
"The TEB needs to decide, do we want a profitable company that provides employment? This company started back up from an absolutely zero cash postion, and nothing works from that position. We need to pay people and buy material."
Councilwoman Barbara Birdsbill, the only opposition to the line of credit, was skeptical about loaning more monies to ASTT, and brought out that past loans approved by the Tribes have not been repaid.
AST! has had financial help from the Tribes to stay open.
The Tribes previously approved a $300,000 line of credit for ASTT, and an additional $500,000 later to pay for
operating costs, and they failed to make the payment schedule with the bank, said Shields, but the ASTI board will be addressing that.
Last spring, the ASTI board got th e Tribes to co-sign 2 loan applications, said Shanley, one was to Rural Development for $1.3 million and the other to the Bureau of Indian Affairs also for $1.3 million. We applied for both loans in anticipation of needed cash flow if production picked up, he said, adding that RD doesn't work as fast as you want it to.
If the government agencies are not forthcoming, ASTI has no option but to come back to the Tribes, said Shanley.
We could leave the $500,000 in the treasury drawing 4 percent interest, or we could loan it to ASTI at 7 percent interest, said Shields.
ASTI is currendy working on both Department of Defense and commercial products that require the employment of 135 individuals, and is in need of funds to continued production, states the prepared resolution that the TEB approved.
The employees are working 3 shifts, 6 days a week.
According to information provided to the Tribes, ASTI is on time with the medical chest deliveries, but Can't expect any payments until late November.
� Tribal members-
Cast vote for FSA County Committee
Tribal members - did you get a strange white envelope in the mail recently regarding election to the Valley County FSA Office?
If so - don't throw it away! Open it up and cast your vote for one of four individuals listed who are running for the Valley County Farm Service Agency County (Committee.
One of the names if tribal member Henry Flynn, of the Oswego/Frazer area The Tribal Executive Board has gone on record supporting Flynn's nomination to the Valley County FSA County Committee.
Whether tribal members live in Valley County or not, ballots have been sent to you,
and you must cast your vote for Flynn, according to Land Committee chairman Walter Clark.
"It's important to get an Indian elected to this board of directors" said Clark, and this is the first year that the Tribes are making an attempt
(Vote - Page 2)